Brand New Day Wolcum Yole Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) Balulalow

soloist, Isabella Zallo Concordia & Cadenza

Shepherd’s Pipe Carol John Rutter (b. 1945) Chrissimas Day southern Appalachian folk song

arr. Shirley W. McRae (1933-2018) soloists: Katie Orbin, Mady Zirngibl, Abby Roberts, Arjun Kairi,

Ciera Erbrecht, Maggie Sortwell, & Anna Brinson violin: Lydia Nolan & Bre Stoner

Canticle

Ukrainian Bell Carol M. Leontovich (1877-1921) arr. Linda Spevacek (b. 1945)

bells, Parker Roberts Petit Enfant Linda Miller Shaw (b. 1951) Dana Thompson

flute: Lisa Marie Brinson Sleigh Bells Russian folk tune

arr. Earlene Rentz (b. 1956) Concordia & Cadenza

Deck the Halls traditional Welsh carol arr. Edwin T. Childs (b. 1945)

all choirs

intermission

Shine on Me traditional spiritual arr. Rollo Dillworth (b. 1970)

all choirs

In the Bleak MidWinter Gustav Holst (1874-1934) arr. Alan Bullard (b. 1947)

Soloist, Ms. Charlene Canty

Cantate Domino Nancy Hill Cobb (b. 1951) Sing Alleluia, Allelu Appalachian folk song

Mary Goetze (b. 1943) Concordia & Cadenza

Kye Kye Kule West African folk song

arr. Greg Gilpin (b. 1964) duet, Samara Guzman & Ava Pacheco

percussion: George Willis, Emelia Hickman, Lydia Nolan, Enrique Ochoa Isabella Zallo, & Parker Roberts

Concordia & Cadenza Light of a Clear Blue Morning Dolly Parton (b. 1946) arr. C. H. Johnson & R. Gabrillo

soloist, Ms. Charlene Canty recorder, Ava Pacheco

quartet: Brenna Stoner, Lydia Nolan, Riley Kirik & Abby Walsh all choirs

Director’s Notes

Wolcum Yole & Balulalow from A Ceremony of Carols Text anonymous, 14th century Wolcum*, wolcum, wolcum be thou hevenè king. Wolcum Yole! Wolcum, born in one morning. Wolcum for whom we all sing! Wolcum, innocentes every one. Wolcum, Twelfthe Day both in fere/ Wolcum Yole, Wolcum Yole, Wolcum! Candelmesse, Queene of bliss, Wolcum bothe to more and lesse. Wolcum, wolcum, wolcum be ye that are here, Wolcum Yole, Wolcum alle and make good cheer. Wolcum alle another yere, another yere, Wolcum Yole. Wolcum! *Wolcum: old English meaning welcome O my deare hert, yonge Jesu sweit, prepare thy credil in my spreit, And I sall rock thee to my hert, and never mair from thee depart. But I shall praise thee evermoir with sangës sweit unto thy glair; The knees of my hert sall I bow, and sing that richt Balulalow! While returning to the United Kingdom during World War II, Benjamin Britten made a stop in Nova Scotia, Canada. To stave off boredom the Twentieth Century British composer picked up a book

of old Scottish poetry and determined to set it to music. The idea for his noteworthy Ceremony of Carols was born. Both “Wolcum Yole” and “Balulalow” come from this work. The former song changed lyrics, title, and purpose at times, but Britten settled on this text with the welcoming bells and festive tune to begin this work. Interestingly, High Church holy days are sung in each voice, particularly noteworthy is St. Thomas’s Day (the martyr of Canterbury Cathedral fame!). The second selection is titled after the Scottish word for lullaby. Our soloist sings the Christ-child to sleep and the chorus echoes with angelic allusion. Shepherd’s Pipe Carol John Rutter did not set out to be known as a carol composer. But that is what he has become. Every holiday season finds schools, choral societies, and churches ringing with the sounds of Rutter’s anthems, now considered classics. Penned in 1967, this vibrant piece encapsulates the joy of singing, the journey of the shepherds, and the challenge of an intricate carol in less than 3 minutes. Chrissimas Day This lively number incorporates percussion instruments to represent the animals found on a farm. The nonsensical lyrics are typical of children’s folk songs. The lovely melody is mysterious and winsome, very typical of early American folk tunes. Ukrainian Bell Carol Most choirs have sunk their musical teeth into the infamous “Carol of the Bells”, a fun piece to learn harmony and enunciation. Ms. Spevacek sets this familiar carol in a fresh way, showcasing the bells referenced in the text. Petit Enfant Petit enfant, dans les bras de ta me’re, Tiny child, in the arms of the mother, Petit enfant, protegé de tout mal Tiny child, safe from any harm. Si cher et si beau, petit enfant. So precious and so fair, tiny child. Petit enfant, ne’ dans un tel amour. Tiny child, born into such love. Petit enfant du Dieu d’en haut, Tiny child, sent from God above.

Si tendre nou veau, petit enfant. So tender and so new, tiny child. Dors bien en la nuit. Oh, dors bien en paix, en paix! Sleep well into the night, oh sleep well in peace! Que les anges gardente le nuit, May the angels guard the night, et te surveillent tous les jours, petit enfant. Watch over every day, tiny child. As a young teenager, Dana Thompson wrote the melody line of this lovely carol. The tune, sung in French, uses lyrics much like the nursery rhyme “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep…” This lyrical, legato lullaby features a soaring flute obligato. Sleigh Bells Just in time for frosty window panes, frozen fingers, bright festivities, and Christmas cheer, this song leaves no jing-a-ling alone. Using the tune of a familiar Russian melody Ms. Rentz challenges singers with bell-ring-a-linging tongue-twisters and rhythmic ostinatos. We hope this lively number warms your hearts with holiday cheer. Deck the Halls What rings in the Yuletide more than holiday decor, delicious celebrations, and the strains of carolers nearby. One of the most beloved carols, “Deck the Halls” has been arranged by countless composers. Dr. Edwin T. Childs composed this version during the early 90s when I was one of his composition students at Biola University. Dr. Childs, an organist and pianist, adds spice to every keyboard part he pens. We hope this work happily rings in the holiday season! Shine on Me In a season of darkness, winter and a global pandemic, light is vital. The lighthouse, a beacon guiding sea-faring vessels to safety, is a vivid metaphor of hope and guidance. Dr. Dillworth arranged this toe-tapping spiritual in 2001 not long after Y2K and 9/11, a prayer of hope so very timely in 2020. In the Bleak MidWinter Text by Christina Rossetti Music by Gustav Holst arr. by Alan Bullard

Cantate Domino, text from Psalm 95 Cantate Domino, canticum novum. Sing a new song to the Lord Cantate Domino omnis terra. Sing to God all the earth. Cantate Domino, benedicite nomine ejus. Sing to God and bless His name. Annutiate inter gentes, gloriam tuam. Declare His glory among the peoples. Quoniam magnus Dominum. For the Lord is great. Et laudabilis nimis, et laudabilis nimis. And greatly to be praised. Allelu, allelu….allelu, alleluia. Alleluia! Alleluia! Sing Alleluia, Allelu An a cappella song based on repeated ostinatos in each part, this piece tells the Christmas story in fresh way. Kye, Kye, Kule As folk songs travel to various regions, words change, melodic turns develop, and new ideas are added. “Kye, Kye, Kule”, perhaps from Ghana, has had just such a transition. We are excited to share this song with you as it features the talents of many SHCC singers. Light of a Clear Blue Morning Dolly Parton began her musical career right after high school, not as a singer, but as a songwriter. She has successfully composed, performed, toured, acted, and supported underprivileged children. This particular song was born out of a broken relationship that almost ended her music career. Like a number of Parton’s memorable songs, “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” has been covered by many artists, most notably the Wallin’ Jennys. The message remains constant and true: life appears bleak right now, “but I can see the light, a clear blue morning, brand new day!” Find hope this holiday season!

Biographies Jennie Nolan, founder and director, received her Bachelor of Music Degree in Choral Music from Biola University and is certified in the Kodály methodology. Mrs. Nolan recently completed a Masters of Choral Conducting at Messiah College Formerly the director of the San Diego Children’s Choir, Mrs. Nolan has led various church choirs, taught classroom music, band, and English. She has sung as a

member of the Pittsburgh Camerata, the Bach Choir, and various other local choral groups. Mrs. Nolan currently directs music activities at View Crest Presbyterian Church and teaches music and writing to 3rd through 10th graders at Blackburn Study Center. Lisa Marie Brinson brings over 20 years of choral and instrumental education experience to the choir, as she joins us this first year as director of Concordia. She has taken her choirs to festivals, earning multiple superior ratings. She has had the privilege of being a founding member of both County and Local Honor Choirs and enjoys accompanying her private students to All-State and Festival events. Lisa Marie currently teaches group and private lessons out of a studio at Pennsylvania Ballet Conservatory. Together with her husband, the Brinson’s enjoy a house full of all kinds of music. Charlene Canty received her Masters degree in vocal performance from Duquesne University. She has been the featured soprano soloist in the requiems of Mozart, Faure and Rutter, and a Mass by Yuri Falik. Among others, her operatic roles include Suor Angelica, La Boheme, The Tender Land, Don Giovanni, The Medium, and Gianni Schicchi. She has also been a two-time scholarship recipient of the Ezio Pinza Council for American Singers of Opera. Ms. Canty has received numerous awards and has worked with various coaches and conductors in the United States as well as in Italy. Most recently, she was the featured guest artist in the Pittsburgh premiere of David Fanshawe's African Sanctus. She has also been heard in Haydn's Lord Nelson Mass with the Youngstown Musica Sacra Orchestra, and Brahms' A German Requiem with the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra. -From Pittsburgh Concert Society Laura Roberts grew up in Virginia, starting piano lessons in third grade. Wanting to use her love of music to help others, she received a degree in Music Therapy in 1997 from Charleston Southern University. She moved to western Pennsylvania in 1999 where she now teaches piano lessons and plays for church choirs. Laura became a Kindermusik educator in 2011, after attending classes with her three children. She moved to McMurray in 2013 and began teaching piano lessons at Kathy’s Music. Additionally, she serves as the pianist for two United Methodist Churches, and plays the string bass in her husband’s bluegrass band. She loves reading, walking, geocaching, eating outside, and spending time with family.

Heather Black, SHCC administrator, graduated from Geneva College with a BS in Sociology. While there, she sang in the Genevans. A former member of Washington County Art Chorale and Pittsburgh Concert Chorale, she continues her vocal studies with former SHCC board member, Melanie Catana, and is currently a member of the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh and the William Billings Singers. Heather has assisted Mrs. Nolan in teaching various music camps and classes for children in Pennsylvania and Latvia and enjoys being her general Girl Friday.

Special Thanks to… Wrights United Methodist Church, venue Shaun Nolan, poster design Jessica Hickman, uniform coordinator Clare Nolan , attendance table volunteer Jonathan & Katie Black, library volunteers Lisa Zotolla, Scrip fundraiser coordinator Our parent and friend volunteers, who have made this concert possible!

Staff Jennie Nolan, Artistic Director Lisa Marie Brinson, Concordia Director Heather Black, Office Administrator Shaun Nolan, Webmaster

Board Members George Willis, President Shaun Nolan, Treasurer Director of Percussion Studies, Pastor, West Virginia University View Crest Presbyterian

Church Andy Foulke Jennie Nolan, Chairman Senior Software Engineer, SHCC Director Smith Micro Software

Canticle Anna Brinson Katie Orbin Mady Zirngibl Ciera Erbrect Abby Roberts Arjun Kairi Maggie Sortwell Concordia Morgan Elias Natalie Saternos Samara Guzman Abigail Walsh

Cadenza Emelia Hickman Enrique Ochoa Maria Suhon Riley Kirik Ava Pacheco Marissa Wycinsky Emma Nolan Adam Saternos Sydney Zotolla Lydia Nolan Breanna Stoner Isabella Zallo

The South Hills Children’s Choir receives state arts funding support through a grant from the PA Council on the Arts, at state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

CONGRATULATIONS

and

BEST WISHES

to the whole

SHCC family!

-the Willis Family

The future is yours, Marissa! We love you! -Mom and Dad

Wendy Vespa, Realtor, RRS, HOD, CNE National Sales Excellence Award Multi-Million Dollar Producer RS#: RS326103 HOWARD HANNA REAL ESTATE SERVICES COMPANY#: RB049340C Upper St. Clair Office 180 Fort Couch Road Pittsburgh, PA 15241 412-965-2059 cell 412-833-2075 fax wendyvespa@howardhanna.com wendyvespa.howardhanna.com

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Peters Twp: 724-942-0202 Bethel Park: 412-833-1345

Order online: https://www.jerseymikes.com/order

Congrats to our favorite singer, Ciera! We love you!

-Dad, Mom, Caleb, & Lily

SHCC Patrons

Magnificat $1000 and up Anonymous Renee Adams The Nolan Family Range Resources Corporation

Cantata $250-999

Amazon Smile McAdoo Towing Chick-fil-A Northwest Bank The Foulke Family Willis Family Primrose School of Peters Township

Aria $50-249

Greg & Susan Breiding Hilary & John Mace Heather A. Black The Sortwell Family The Catana Family The Smiths The Hickman Family The Willis Family

Prelude $1-49

Chipotle Christina Jamison Pamela Craft The Jeswilkowskis Gregory Donahue Kimberly Martyn The Emerick Family Stacey Smith Judith Garlardi Barbara Vanlehn Michele Grimpe The Vezendy Family Peggy Harris

See the program insert to find out how you

can become a patron!